Both Pierce and Baca refused medical service but were photographed for evidence.
Authorities made a statement following the incident saying “The incident did not rise to anything significant, so no special notification was made... it was treated like any other arrest a patrol officer conducts. Mr. Pierce made no indication he was famous nor did the officer inquire.”
Following the arrest, Rutgers University Newark announced that Pierce would be replaced as commencement speaker by journalist Soledad O'Brien. The University made a statement:
“Newark (RU-N) was informed by actor and humanitarian Wendell Pierce that in order to assure that commencement 2016 will be a celebration of the accomplishments of its students free of distractions, he is declining to join RU-N and consequently must decline the conferral of an honorary degree,” a press release about the event said. At the same time, RU-N is pleased to announce that award-winning journalist, documentarian, news anchor, and producer Soledad O'Brien will address the Class of 2016.”